Wow. I’m thinking the NHL’s transition into new rules is going to be rough.Veteran Brett Hull sure had trouble with it. He forgot you can no longer change lines during icing in a 7-0 loss to the Wild. Say what you will about Hull, now a Phoenix Coyote, but he’s a smart guy. If he’s getting confused about the new rules, you have to know a lot of other guys will, too.
Things are a bit rough in Phoenix right now. Goalie Brian Boucher was injured in a shootout Friday night. Not like Biggie was, though. It was a hockey shootout. Larry Brooks, from the Post, is blaming the NHLPA, for agreeing to the shootouts (login info.). I suspect it has more to do with players getting used to moving after the long layoff. But blame who you want.
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Also, congrats to the Bruins for signing their goalie, Andrew Raycroft.
When you think about the Bruins these past few seasons, it’s hard not to think of quality goaltending. I can see why they wouldn’t want to nail down Raycroft and get him playing ASAP. After all, what does the goalie really do? It’s not a position you need to spend money on. In fact, I wouldn’t have hired anybody. The defensemen can protect the net. Just pay them a little extra. Maybe $50 a game.